‘We thank everyone who stood with us in grief and remembrance’

Bangla Press Desk: BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed gratitude to all, thanking them for their condolences over the death of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and for their solidarity during her state funeral.

In his Facebook page on Saturday night, he wrote, “On behalf of our family and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, we thank everyone who stood with us in grief and remembrance. Your kindness and solidarity have been a source of comfort and strength, and we carry them forward with gratitude.”

Tarique said, “As the three-day national mourning period for Begum Khaleda Zia comes to a close, our family has been deeply moved by the continued outpouring of condolences and prayers from across the country and from friends abroad. 

“These three days have shown us the many ways in which my mother meant something different to different people, often in ways we may not have fully known or seen.”

To many, she came to symbolise the courage to stand up for what one truly believes in and remain steadfast in conviction, despite the hardship, he said. “That lesson resonates far beyond politics, touching people wherever they are and whoever they may be.”

He wrote, “We are eternally thankful to the interim government, and to Professor Muhammad Yunus and his Cabinet, whose leadership and swift coordination made it possible to arrange such an honourific farewell in such a short time.

“To the international community, our neighbours, friends, diplomats, and partners around the world, you have warmed our hearts with your compassion and solidarity. The presence of dignitaries at the funeral, the letters and messages of condolence, the words written in condolence books, the countless expressions shared through social media, and official statements by leaders, local missions in Bangladesh, and organisations across the country has been incredible to see.”

Expressing gratitude to all the servicemen and women involved, across the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as coordinating administrations and ministries, the BNP leader said, “My family and I were truly touched by your sense of duty and care during my mother’s final farewell.”

He said, “We remain grateful to all who helped ensure these days of mourning were conducted with dignity and care. I wish to offer special thanks to the President Guard Regiment, whose solemn guard of honour and final salute paid the highest tribute to my mother’s life and service. By escorting Begum Khaleda Zia with such respect to her final resting place, you embodied the nation’s reverence and ensured that her last journey was marked with the honour it deserved.”

Tarique said he is also mindful that many others, whose names or roles were not mentioned, contributed in countless ways to ensuring the day unfolded seamlessly. “To all who served behind the scenes or beyond public view, please accept my heartfelt thanks. Your efforts made it possible, Alhamdulillah, for our family and for the nation to honour her memory with dignity.”

He added, “And finally, to the people of Bangladesh. To see so many of you, from every corner of the nation, gather in reverence for my mother was something our family could never have anticipated. It was a powerful and unifying moment that reflected the compassion and shared humanity of our people.” 

BP/SP